What is the categorical imperative?

Answer

The term categorical imperative is closely associated with the philosopher Immanuel Kant. He aimed to establish a moral foundation that was universal and unconditional. Additionally, Kant desired his moral framework to be entirely grounded in reason and resistant to selfishness. The primary formulation of his “categorical imperative” was “Act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can, at the same time, will that it become a universal law.”

In essence, Kant’s categorical imperative suggests that we should only choose actions if we would be comfortable with those actions being obligatory for all individuals. This involves considering the question, “What if everyone always did what I am about to do?” If the outcome appears favorable, then Kant would argue that you should proceed. If not, then Kant would advise against acting in that manner. According to this principle, opting to lie would be unethical because if everyone consistently lied, society would disintegrate. Conversely, if everyone consistently told the truth, society would thrive. Hence, the categorical imperative would dictate, “One should never lie; one should always be truthful.”

Kant aspired to establish ethics on a single principle, which would serve as a unique moral foundation: the categorical imperative. Nevertheless, Kant acknowledged the complexities and nuances associated with such a concept. One of these challenges is that situations are highly contextual—details are significant, making it challenging to universally endorse or condemn broadly defined actions. Similarly, Kant’s perspective creates an “always” or “never” dichotomy, whereas some actions are better understood through a “sometimes” approach. His own writings extensively delved into these issues and their constraints, which exceed the scope of a single article.

The categorical imperative represents a form of deontological ethics: the belief that ethical conduct is based on a “duty” to an external standard. Kant’s approachThe concept suggests that the only appropriate motivation for action is fulfilling duty; otherwise, the act is based on an improper impulse. The primary issue within deontology is the debate over which authority is used to determine duty, leading to conflicting loyalties and motivations.

Scripture offers a parallel to the categorical imperative in what Jesus referred to as “the greatest commandment.” In Matthew 22:37–38, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:5 and states, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.” Loving God is, in a way, the most fundamental, universal, and unconditional obligation of all creation. Every other ethical statement is an application of that principle «On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.», (Matthew 22:40). A more practical version of this same idea was presented by Christ in Matthew 7:12, known as the “Golden Rule.”

In suggesting that all morality can be summarized in a single statement, the basic idea behind the categorical imperative is not contrary to the Bible. Jesus implied that very concept. Similarly, the Bible indicates that motives are significant regardless of the acts themselves (Matthew 6:1-2). However, Christ establishes moral decision-making in an unchanging and perfect God (Matthew 5:48;Mark 3:35;John 14:15). Kant links ethics to fallible human reason (see Isaiah 55:8-9;Jeremiah 17:9;Proverbs 14:12). Ultimately, we must base moral decisions on God’s revealed Word «All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction.», for instruction in righteousness: », (2 Timothy 3:16), natural evidence (Romans 1:18-20), and the influence of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; Galatians 5:22-25), rather than seeking “pure reason” as a basis for ethics.